Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) in India are industrial units identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as having a potential for significant environmental impact. These industries discharge effluents into watercourses and either handle hazardous substances or generate a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) load of 100 kg per day or more.
“There are 2427 GPIs operating in river Yamuna main stem”
The Yamuna Project Research
Meeting environmental compliance is mandatory for GPIs to obtain and maintain operational authorization. This involves adhering to requirements from the CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) under various environmental acts and rules.
Key compliance requirements for GPIs
- Obtaining Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO): Industries must obtain CTE before construction and CTO before starting operations from the SPCB/PCC. These consents verify that the industry meets environmental standards and has operational pollution control systems. Consent validity ranges from 5 to 15 years based on the industry’s pollution category.
- Pollution control and discharge standards:
- Effluent treatment: GPIs must install and maintain Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) to treat wastewater to comply with standards.
- Emission standards: Industries must meet emission standards under the Environment Protection Rules, 1986, and those set by CPCB and SPCBs.
- Regular monitoring: GPIs are subject to monitoring to ensure compliance, including inspections and verification of pollution control measures.
- Online Continuous Monitoring Systems (OCEMS): OCEMS are required for GPIs, particularly in the Ganga basin and high-pollution industries, for real-time monitoring.
- Waste management: Proper management and disposal of solid, hazardous, and other wastes are essential.
- Hazardous substances handling: GPIs handling hazardous substances must comply with relevant rules for safe storage, handling, transportation, and disposal.
- Specific location requirements: Industries are categorized by pollution potential. Red Category industries have location restrictions based on distance from sensitive areas.
- Additional compliances:
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Some GPIs may need EIA and environmental clearance.
- Compliance with court orders: Industries must follow environmental orders from courts or tribunals.
- Maintain Records and Annual Reports: Regular records and annual reports, including environmental statements and hazardous waste reports, are necessary.
Consequences of non-compliance
Non-compliance can result in penalties, environmental compensation, legal actions, and potential operational shutdowns or license revocation.
In summary, GPIs in India operate under a strict regulatory framework requiring consents, adherence to pollution control standards, waste management, safe handling of hazardous substances, and compliance with location restrictions. Continuous monitoring, transparent reporting, and legal compliance are vital for responsible operation and avoiding penalties.
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